Rails RL-1424-009

SE&CR 16' Covered Goods Wagon Maunsell SECR Dark Grey No.1923

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI/AI images rather than photographs

Prototype Era
Era 2 (1875 to 1923) Pre-grouping

Manufacturer description

Exclusive to Rails

*In 1904 the South Eastern & Chatham Railway introduced covered wagons to an increased length of 16 feet, though in appearance they resembled earlier South Eastern Railway designs. 110 wagons to this design were built up to 1908. Most were fitted with Hill's brake gear, which differed from the RCH or "freighter brakes" fitted to the wagons much later in their lives. The Hill's gear, featured in our new model, is of distinctive and asymmetrical appearance, Brakes were fitted to one side of the wagon only, with levers to apply them from either side. *

*Later batches were fitted with Mansell coach-type wheels, which we feature in this model. Also featured are roof vents. The prototypes were fitted with both Laycock, or torpedo, vents, and with "Eros" vents. The latter are quite distinctive in style, and we have chosen to represent this type. *

The new models will be released in three liveries: SE&CR light grey, as built; the darker late SE&CR grey livery, introduced circa 1917, and SR brown livery, as applied between 1923 and 1936.

*Just two of the wagons were fitted, in 1909, with experimental pressed steel doors. These doors were the product of The Leeds Forge Company, and had been supplied for wagons built for export. The General Manager of the Leeds firm, Francis L. Lane, persuaded Wainwright to try them. It is not known how long these doors remained fitted, so this variant is offered only in early SE&CR livery. *

Manufactured using new cutting-edge technologies featuring:

• A new, ultra high resolution, super strong aeronautical grade PU with a design life exceeding 25 years.
• A build process using the very latest light technology and is infinitely flexible for making all variants.
• Low volume production potential for niche, products previously not capable of being produced economically for RTR.

Rails aim to fill the need for niche products, which simply would not justify a large production run. As they are produced in limited quantities.

A tremendous amount of research and development has been put into this project to ensure accuracy and true replication has been achieved. The vans will be fitted with Alan Gibson finescale wheels for further accuracy.

Catalogue listing

Rails SE&CR 16' Covered Goods Wagon Maunsell SECR Dark Grey No.1923 is a limited‑edition model produced by Rails of Sheffield. The manufacturer part number is RL‑1424‑009 and the model represents the pre‑grouping period of the South Eastern and Chatham Railway.

The original wagons were introduced on 1 January 1904 and were lengthened to 16 feet, resembling earlier South Eastern Railway designs. A total of 110 units were built up to 1908. Early examples were fitted with Hill’s brake gear, an asymmetrical system with brakes on one side and levers accessible from either side. Later batches received Mansell coach‑type wheels and roof vents of the distinctive “Eros” type, both of which are reproduced on the model. In 1909 two wagons were fitted experimentally with pressed‑steel doors supplied by The Leeds Forge Company; this variant is offered only in the early SE&CR light‑grey livery.

Three liveries are available: SE&CR light grey as originally built, a darker SE&CR grey introduced circa 1917, and Southern Railway brown applied between 1923 and 1936. The pressed‑steel‑door version is supplied solely in the early light‑grey scheme.

The model is manufactured using an ultra‑high‑resolution aeronautical‑grade polyurethane with a design life exceeding 25 years. Production employs the latest light‑technology processes to allow low‑volume, niche manufacturing. Extensive research and development has been undertaken to ensure accurate replication, and the wagons are fitted with Alan Gibson finescale wheels for further detail.